Prince William starts his new job at Cambridge Airport today

The Duke of Cambridge has admitted he is "feeling the nerves" as he begins his new job as an air ambulance pilot, based at Cambridge Airport.

Prince William completed a civilian pilot course in September before taking dedicated 999-response training in order to take up the role with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). The former RAF helicopter pilot will cover Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

The Prince's first nine-and-a-half hour shift as a co-pilot began at 7am today.

"It's my first day and I'm feeling the nerves" he said. "We're starting off on a wet Cambridge day, but I'm really looking forward to getting started."

Prince William's shift pattern will be four days on, four days off, but it will take into account his official royal duties. He is donating his full salary to charity.

The Prince said: "Obviously at some point there is going to be a lot more pressure and responsibility from the other side of my life, but at the moment I'm juggling the two of them and a young family and I'm enjoying the challenge.

For more information about this fantastic charity and vital medical service, including 'a day in the life of an emergency helicopter pilot' visit the East Anglian Air Ambulance website.